Vital Heating Solutions and Burnley College: Building a Net Zero Workforce
Forging a Future-Ready Partnership
Vital Heating Solutions and Burnley College are shaping a new partnership to prepare students for careers in sustainable energy. This collaboration aims to align education with industry needs, focusing on Net Zero initiatives.
1. Joanne Moseley’s Visit to Burnley College
Joanne Moseley, General Manager at Vital Heating Solutions, visited Burnley College to explore collaboration opportunities and review their exceptional facilities. She met with Avril Pilling, Operations Director, and Steve Dobney, Head of Curriculum, to discuss the evolving needs of the industry and how the curriculum could reflect those changes. These early conversations mark the beginning of a focused effort to align academic content with the practical skills employers like Vital Heating Solutions need today and in the future.
2. Supporting Curriculum Review with Industry Insight
As a proud local business featured in Burnley.co.uk, Vital Heating Solutions is now supporting Burnley College in their curriculum review. This process is essential in helping the college meet OFSTED expectations and adapt courses to meet the demands of the real world. With input from experienced professionals like Joanne, the curriculum can be shaped around genuine job market expectations—ensuring learners are ready to step straight into work after graduation.
3. Managing Director’s Upcoming Visit: A Business Perspective
Following Joanne’s visit, the next step in this developing partnership will see the company’s Managing Director visiting Burnley College. He will offer students a direct business perspective—highlighting what local employers are really looking for and how students can prepare for long-term success. By sharing his own journey, the MD will inspire students to see what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity.
4. Inspiring the Next Generation of Net Zero Leaders
Vital Heating Solutions is deeply committed to helping young people prepare for the future. As Net Zero becomes a national and regional priority, the need for qualified professionals with sustainability-focused skills is growing. Through this partnership, Burnley College and Vital Heating Solutions aim to develop the next generation of business leaders, tradespeople, and engineers who will be central to the UK’s Net Zero journey.
5. Burnley College’s Infrastructure for Sustainability
Burnley College has already laid strong foundations for sustainability with their dedicated Low Carbon Hub. The facility gives students access to technologies such as solar PV rigs, low-carbon heating systems, and smart controls—providing the perfect platform for real-world learning. These kinds of hands-on experiences are exactly what industry partners like Vital Heating Solutions value in future employees.
6. Future Opportunities for Students
Through this partnership, students will benefit from more than just curriculum updates. There are opportunities to build valuable skills through apprenticeships, live projects, and potential work placements. This gives students a chance to apply their learning in a real business setting—boosting their confidence and employability.
7. Raising the Standard for Employability
Industry engagement plays a key role in helping learners stand out to employers. By incorporating feedback directly from companies like Vital Heating Solutions, Burnley College can ensure its training remains relevant and practical. This approach increases the value of each qualification, giving students a clearer path from education into employment.
8. Shaping a Curriculum that Reflects Real-World Demands
The world of work is changing fast. New technologies, sustainability targets, and shifting customer expectations mean that college courses must evolve quickly. Through regular engagement with business leaders, Burnley College is ensuring that its students are learning the skills they need to succeed in fast-moving industries like heating, plumbing, and renewables.
9. Community Impact and Local Growth
This partnership is more than just education and training. It’s about investing in Burnley’s future. By giving local students the tools they need to succeed, both the college and Vital Heating Solutions are helping to build a stronger, more resilient economy. It’s a commitment to local talent, innovation, and sustainable growth.
10. A Model for Education-Industry Collaboration
Burnley College and Vital Heating Solutions are creating a model that other institutions and employers can follow. By working together from the ground up—sharing insight, shaping courses, and supporting students—the partnership shows how education and business can collaborate to produce long-term benefits for everyone involved.
Conclusion
This is just the beginning of something meaningful. Vital Heating Solutions and Burnley College are building a partnership rooted in shared values: quality education, practical skills, and a drive to support the Net Zero agenda. By aligning classroom learning with real industry needs, they are giving students the confidence, knowledge, and experience to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Get Involved in the Future of Skills
To learn more about Burnley College’s training programmes or explore collaboration opportunities with Vital Heating Solutions, visit www.burnley.ac.uk, call Vital Heating Solutions on 01282 773338, or email sales@vitalheating.co.uk. Our team is here to support education-industry partnerships that make a real impact.